You\u2019re Sent Now Go<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good afternoon.\u00a0 I just returned from a weeklong mission trip to Beverly Kentucky.\u00a0 I helped lead a group of 28 youth and adults to a mission in rural Appalachia.\u00a0 We served a family by rebuilding parts of their home.\u00a0 We replaced 2 external stairways, a completely new roof and replaced 2 broken windows.\u00a0 The team served as a Christian witness to the family showing them Christ\u2019s love by our actions.\u00a0 It was a wonderful trip, and not only did we serve the residents the kids learned so much about themselves and developed in their faith journeys as well.\u00a0 I have been doing these mission trips for 19 years.\u00a0 The high point for me every year, is to see the growth of our kids.\u00a0 They grow emotionally, physically, and spiritually as they are challenged by the projects and the circumstances that present themselves.\u00a0 The kids overcome, heat, rain, physically difficult tasks, emotional stress, and are always surrounded by poverty or storm damage, and the responses by the homeowners.\u00a0 Some homeowners are present and involved, some are disconnected and are consumed by their negative environment.\u00a0 Our kids give these residents hope in their life.\u00a0 In most cases the passion of the kids, the love they show the residents transforms the outlook and attitudes of these residents.\u00a0 With enough of these interactions some residents may come to know Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not everyone has an opportunity for an immersive weeklong mission trip.\u00a0 How can you serve your community?\u00a0 We\u2019re blessed to be a blessing. God intends to use you to bless, heal, restore, and liberate a dark and hurting world. We\u2019re here for others: in our families and our community and in the world. Go to the need. Live missionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c<\/em>I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(Genesis 12: 2, 3)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/em>You are the light of the world \u2013 like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(Matthew 5: 14 \u2013 16)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/em>Again, he said, \u201cPeace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(John 20: 21)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideas for Action: <\/strong>Search for mission opportunities in your community.\u00a0 Form a group of people that have a passion to serve and find ways to use that passion.\u00a0 Opportunities will not find you, you need to find it and take action.\u00a0 Many churches have restarted their VBS programs, ours was smaller this year, but very effective reaching the young kids that attended.\u00a0 Can your church sponsor summer activities?\u00a0 Our young families are meeting regularly with activities around the church and a shared meal together.\u00a0 Invite the local community families to evening activities at your church.\u00a0 You can serve them by bringing them together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n